EFFECT OF PRONUNCIATION PRACTICE ON ANAGRAM DIFFICULTY

A comparison was made of the solution difficulty of anagrams differing in pronounceability but having the same solutions, either with or without prior pronunciation practice with the anagrams. Anagrams rated easier to pronounce had faster pronunciation speeds and lower solution probabilities. Pronunciation practice increased reading speed and reduced solution probability. It was suggested that pronounceability reflects Ss’ tendencies to deal with an anagram as a unit rather than as a sequence of letters, and the results were related to comparisons of word and nonsense anagrams. © 1969, Psychonomic Journals, Inc.. All rights reserved.